Review Blog

Jul 27 2017

The shop at Hooper's Bend by Emily Rodda

Angus and Robertson, 2017. ISBN 9781460753668
(Ages 9+) For all those who have felt drawn to a place without
knowing why, this book is for you. Jonquil (Quil), an 11 year old,
is heading to Summer camp in the Mountains when she feels the need
to get off the train one stop early. While the premise for her not
being properly accompanied is a little sketchy, the reader is drawn
in. Soon enough, Quil finds herself outside Hooper's Bend store,
where Bailey, a fifty-something big-shot from the city, has come to
view her inherited property to decide what she will do with it.
While she receives a less than warm welcome from the locals, Quil
feels so drawn to Bailey, it is almost as though they share a past.
Is Bailey right to be suspicious of young Quil? And what is Bailey
hiding from the locals?
Quil explores a theory that people are made from exploding stars and
similarly to those that believe in zodiac signs, have different
traits depending on how much stardust they have of one star or
another. While she spends an inordinate amount of time thinking
about this thoughout the novel, Bailey uncovers the truth about
Hoopers Store and rekindles some friendships long forgotten.
Ultimately both characters find closure through their friendship and
through what they learn. Rodda's descriptive language is enchanting,
and is able to capture the sort of magic that old houses from
yesteryear hold within their walls.
Clare Thompson